Rome – A significant data breach at the Italian Ministry of the Interior has reportedly compromised the identities of approximately 5,000 agents of the Digos (Direzione Investigativa di Polizia Speciale), Italy’s anti-terrorism and special operations unit. The alleged hacking, attributed to Chinese actors, has triggered a diplomatic freeze and a parliamentary inquiry, raising concerns about national security and the vulnerability of Italian government systems. The incident centers around a suspected effort to gather intelligence on individuals involved in sensitive investigations, including counterterrorism efforts and monitoring of Chinese dissidents residing in Italy.
The unfolding situation began in late 2024 and continued through 2025, with the unauthorized access to data occurring within the Ministry’s digital infrastructure. According to reports, the hackers sought names, assignments and operational locations of Digos agents. The breach wasn’t aimed at sabotage, but rather at intelligence gathering – specifically, identifying those investigating activities deemed sensitive by the Chinese government, including the tracking of individuals who have publicly criticized the Chinese Communist Party.
The initial discovery of the breach coincided with increasing cooperation between Rome and Beijing on judicial matters. In November 2025, a delegation led by Zhongyi Liu, assistant to the Chinese Minister of Public Security, met with Luca Tescaroli, the prosecutor of Prato, at the Prato prosecutor’s office. The meeting involved investigators and a Chinese delegation including Qi Yin, the Chinese Consul General; Jie Liao, the police liaison officer from China in Milan; Xiang Zheng, Deputy Director of the Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security; Zhaohui Zhou, Deputy Director-General of the International Affairs Office of the Ministry of Public Security; and Xingjun Mio, Head of the Central Criminal Police Department’s Division. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss cooperation in combating transnational crime, particularly organized crime with ties to China, following a request for assistance from Italian authorities. Il Fatto Quotidiano reported on the details of this meeting.
Yet, concerns arose in Rome that the Chinese delegation possessed an unusually detailed understanding of the ongoing investigations. This prompted suspicions of a reciprocal intelligence gathering operation, leading to the freezing of judicial cooperation between the two countries. A subsequent meeting was requested by the Chinese delegation with Vittorio Pisani, the head of the Italian Police, where the potential data breach was brought to light.
Allegations of Data Theft and Diplomatic Fallout
The alleged theft of data on 5,000 Digos agents has prompted a swift political response in Italy. Angelo Bonelli and Peppe de Cristofaro of Alleanza Verdi Sinistra, along with senators from Italia Viva – Enrico Borghi, Ivan Scalfarotto, Raffaella Paita, Dafne Musolino, Annamaria Furlan, Daniela Sbrollini, and Riccardo Magi of +Europa – have demanded answers from Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. Bonelli stated, “I ask Minister Piantedosi, remarkably busy attacking the opposition on issues concerning public order, what he has done to guarantee the security of the data and identities of 5,000 police agents? How is it possible that the Ministry’s computer system is so vulnerable?” He has submitted a parliamentary inquiry seeking clarification on the extent of the breach, the compromised systems, the specific data stolen, and the security measures implemented. Leggo.it also reported on the political reaction.
While the Italian government has not officially confirmed the extent of the data breach or directly accused Chinese government entities, the timing and nature of the alleged hacking have raised serious concerns. The incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical competition and concerns about cyber espionage. The lack of a public response from Chinese authorities has further fueled speculation about their involvement.
Geopolitical Context and Regional Stakes
This incident occurs within a broader context of escalating cyber activity attributed to state-sponsored actors. China has been repeatedly accused of engaging in cyber espionage targeting governments, corporations, and critical infrastructure worldwide. The alleged hacking of the Italian Interior Ministry aligns with a pattern of intelligence gathering aimed at understanding foreign security apparatuses and identifying individuals involved in activities deemed detrimental to Chinese interests. Italy’s role within the European Union and NATO also makes it a strategically important target for foreign intelligence operations.
The suspension of judicial cooperation between Italy and China is a significant development. It underscores the challenges of balancing law enforcement collaboration with national security concerns. The incident is likely to further strain relations between the two countries and could lead to increased scrutiny of Chinese investments and activities in Italy.
What to Watch Next
The Italian government is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the data breach and implement measures to enhance the security of its digital infrastructure. Parliamentary inquiries will likely delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess the government’s response. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent actions taken by Italy will be closely watched by other European nations and international partners. The next procedural step will likely involve a formal assessment of the damage and a review of cybersecurity protocols within the Ministry of the Interior.
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